Hyundai begins testing of new i20 WRC car

AUTOSPORT revealed in July that the replacement for Hyundai's current WRC contender was unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2015 season.

The new car - which is based on the 'New Generation' version of the roadgoing equivalent - had its first shakedown test with Bryan Bouffier last month.

Team boss Michel Nandan said: "It's always an important moment when you take a car to the road for the first time and this one was no exception.

"We have been working on the development of our future WRC car for some time now and we were finally able to put the first prototype on its wheels last month.

"The data and experience that we have accumulated during our debut WRC season has contributed to our approach with this new car.

"It's a totally different car compared to current WRC model; the platform is different, the car is longer, lower and wider and it features a new engine, transmission and other components."

Hyundai took its first WRC win in Germany in August, when Thierry Neuville led Dani Sordo in a one-two finish.

Nandan added that Hyundai would continue with the present i20 for as long as necessary before bringing in the new car.

"We will introduce it in competition when we are absolutely sure that it is ready to replace the current Hyundai i20 WRC - we're not in a rush," he said.

"Of course we are just at the beginning of a long process and we will continue to work hard on development and continue testing in the next months and throughout 2015."